Finally, Dragon Has Sailed.

HMS Dragon has finally left Portsmouth, a week after receiving orders to prepare to go to sea.

Two full days on the ammunition pontoon suggests she is taking a full load-out with her. She is apparently expecting action. 

I'm glad the Captain and the Admirals in charge are taking no chances, but it does give an indication of what paper tigers we have for Warships under normal circumstances. Warships with no weapons are not warships. They are just training barges. 

The government's whole attitude to defence needs a complete bloody shakeup. These are weapons of war, not gin palaces. They are not floating exhibition centres either.

The MOD needs to give it's head a wobble and start being the Ministry of DEFENCE. At the very least, it should be able to defend this country from any and all threats external. 

As a side task, it should also be ready to defend the public from larger internal threats that the Police cannot control.

3-5 years. I give them 3-5 years before they will be called on.